Your Right to Know

Democratic gubernatorial challenger Ed FitzGerald told a Columbus magazine focusing on the gay
community that he supports same-sex marriage and would support expanding nondiscrimination laws to
include sexual orientation and gender identity.

“I believe in full equality for all Ohioans, and that includes the LGBT community, and that
includes issues not just related to marriage, but also employment and housing,” he said to editors
of
Outlook Columbus. A brief report of FitzGerald’s interview was posted on the magazine’s
website yesterday and a full report will be in
Outlook’s June edition this week.

FitzGerald’s statement draws at least one clear contrast between him and Republican Gov. John
Kasich, who does not support same-sex marriage. Kasich did, however, sign an executive order in
2011 barring discrimination based on sexual orientation for current and prospective state
employees.

FitzGerald seemed to indicate he would sign a bill that would ban discrimination against
homosexuals statewide, in both the public and private sectors. He also said he would support a
constitutional amendment to overturn a 2004 ban on gay marriage. That could become an issue in the
2014 election, especially if Freedom Ohio places the proposed amendment on the ballot for 2014
instead of this year.

“It’s a really hot topic right now, especially in Ohio,” said Karla Rothan, executive director
for Stonewall Columbus, the city’s largest gay-rights group. “As he runs for governor, I think it’s
important for him to make sure people know that he supports it.”

An April survey conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute showed that Ohioans now
narrowly support same-sex marriage, 48 to 44 percent. The poll followed Republican U.S. Sen. Rob
Portman’s public embracing of same-sex marriage in March because his son is gay.

Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols declined to respond to FitzGerald’s comments. In March, after
Kasich seemed to tell a Cincinnati TV station that he supported civil unions, Nichols said Kasich “
opposes gay marriage and opposes changing Ohio’s constitution to allow for civil unions.” Nichols
also said Kasich is “opposed to discrimination against any Ohioan.”